Murder-accused Kimberley advocate Celeste Nameka abandons bail application

ADVOCATE Dr Celeste Nameka will remain in custody after abandoning her bail application in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court.

Nameka, who is already facing charges of murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, was recently charged with conspiracy to murder and dealing in drugs.

She appeared in court sporting long dreadlocks and a bright red trouser suit.

Nameka was left waiting without an explanation regarding the whereabouts of her legal representative, advocate Stanley Jacobs, from 9.30am until after noon on November 5.

State advocate Mary-Anne Engelbrecht said the delay was unacceptable and amounted to a “disregard and abuse of the court’s time”, as the bail application had been postponed at the defence’s request.

She stated that she had to postpone a matter in the De Aar Magistrate’s Court in order to assist.

Engelbrecht asked that the bail application be removed from the roll due to “substantial” delays.

Magistrate Chabeli Mafohla pointed out that Jacobs was “not doing the court any favours” by appearing on behalf of his client.

He added that it was the second time he had travelled from Prieska to Kimberley and been kept waiting for several hours.

“Prior arrangements were made in chambers with the State and defence where the date and time were agreed upon,” he said.

Jacobs explained that he had been occupied in the Northern Cape High Court with a matter involving accused persons implicated in the Kimberley Mental Health Hospital saga.

“I agreed upon the date for the bail application with the understanding that I would come to court once the matter in the Northern Cape High Court was finalised. It was beyond my control that it went on longer than expected. I also want to fast-track my client’s application.”

He complained that the court was wasting time arguing over why he had arrived later than promised.

“I also travelled from Mpumalanga to attend the application.”

Jacobs believed that it would be pointless to proceed with the bail application unless he received an undertaking that the State would not seek to have his client’s bail on the original charges revoked.

“Part of the bail conditions include not having any direct or indirect contact with State witnesses. I do not want a case of double jeopardy where after applying for bail, her bail is revoked for violating her bail conditions on the first charges.”

He indicated that the bail application would be abandoned and his client would remain in custody.

Engelbrecht pointed out that it was well within the State’s rights to seek the cancellation of bail.

She was, however, unable to give any assurances, as she had been appointed solely to deal with the most recent bail application.

Both the conspiracy to murder and drug-dealing matters were postponed to December 9, when additional co-accused could be added to the charge sheet.

Nameka and her father, Clive Ferris, are standing trial in the Northern Cape High Court for the murder of Charmaine Anthony, who was shot during an altercation at the Minerva Gardens housing complex on December 21, 2024.

They are also facing charges of attempted murder and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) in connection with the incident, in which Nameka’s former partner, Lucan Anthony, was shot and injured.

Ferris also faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Co-accused Obrey Mabija faces a charge of assault GBH.

All three have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

The trial was postponed to March 1–12, 2027.